Animal repellent prompts evacuation of Somerton postal center

Alex Wigglesworth, Philly.com

Last updated:
Saturday, May 31, 2014, 1:43 PM

Animal repellent has been identified as the culprit of a hazmat scare at a U.S. postal facility in the Somerton section of Northeast Philadelphia.

Fire officials said hazmat teams were called around 11:45 a.m. Saturday to the bulk mail center at 1900 Byberry Rd. for a report of a strong odor. The facility was evacuated as crews investigated the source.

Medics responded to the scene and treated five people who were complaining of nausea and sickness, police said. None of the victims required hospitalization.

Further investigation revealed that an animal repellent was accidentally sprayed inside the building, causing some occupants to become ill, police said.

Those evacuated were let back inside and the incident was declared under control around 1:30 p.m., according to the fire department.